Thanks for taking the class! I hope you learned lots of tips and tricks to make your knitting faster, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
As promised, more information on each of the 25 Tips are below. I’ll be adding additional resources as I make more videos, so come back later if you don’t see what you want here (or do a Google search to learn more.) I have even more references on this website at Crochet Resources: Basics & Beyond. Check there often for updates.
This page contains affiliate links, which may provide a small income to me if you buy something, but don’t cost you anything extra.
The Crochet Answer Book has answers to questions you may not have even asked yourself.
#1 Read your crochet, not your pattern
Learn to look at the stitches on your fabric, and not rely as much on the written pattern (or chart). Understand what the stitches look like: what chain, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet looks like.
If you are new to reading patterns, look for the list of abbreviations that should be included with every single pattern, and start to memorize these, just as you would abbreviations in a recipe. For a general list of abbreviations, refer to the Craft Yarn Council.
#2 Learn to love charts.
#3 Swatch, swatch, swatch
#4 Believe that gauge matters
#5 Understand the difference between yarn over and yarn under.
#6 Recognize the difference between the right side and the wrong side of the basic stitches.
#7 Internalize how turning chains work.
Read Where to Put the First Stitch of a Crochet Row
#8 Work into the back bump of a chain.
#9 Use foundation stitches.
#10 Start from the center out with a Magic Ring.
#11 Join-as-you-go, don’t sew!
I’ve got SO MUCH on this subject! Books and Craftsy classes and Creativebug classes, and YouTube videos…
#12 End rounds with a tapestry needle join.
Learn more about this technique in the join-as-you-go classes and books listed above.
#13 Implement stitches instead of chains to improve transitions between rounds.
#14 Improve color changes with standing stitches.
Read Join a New Yarn with Standing Crochet Stitches and Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs.
#15 Identify ways to adjust row height with Golden Loop.
#16 Adjust stitch height with extended stitches.
#17 Master mattress stitch.
#18 Straighten out your grannies.
Read Skewing Grannies.
#19 Save time with this easy-to-use stitch marker.
#20 Weave in ends securely.
#21 Block your work.
Read How to Block Knitting and Crochet.
#22 Try this trick for better crocheted borders.
Read 5 Tips for Beautiful Crocheted Borders.
Read Around the Corner Crochet Borders and Every Which Way Crochet Borders.
